Applicator with Flock and Comb on the Circumferential Surface

ABSTRACT

A cosmetic unit having an applicator, comprising an applicator element, which is connected to a handle by means of a wand, and having a cosmetic receptacle, which contains a supply of cosmetic, and a wiper. In its ready position, the applicator element dips into the cosmetic receptacle and in the course of this, the handle of the applicator is secured to the cosmetic receptacle in such a way that it closes this receptacle tightly. The applicator can be brought into its use position by pulling the applicator element out of the cosmetic receptacle through the wiper, wherein the applicator element has a central region that has a flocking and is mounted on the circumference of the applicator element and embraces the applicator element, preferably over a circumference angle of less than 180°. The central region is arched outward in convex fashion and rimmed by at least one row of bristles on at least three of its four edges.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a cosmetic applicator.

The particular usage area of the applicator according to the present disclosure is the application of cosmetic to the eyebrows and to the eyelashes as well as the lips.

An extremely wide variety of applicator types have already been proposed for this purpose.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure is to disclose an applicator with which large quantities of cosmetic can be quickly applied, but which nevertheless permits a sharp-contoured application.

This is attained with a cosmetic unit having an applicator, comprising an applicator element, which is connected to a handle by means of a wand, and having a cosmetic receptacle, which contains a supply of cosmetic, and a wiper.

In its ready position, the applicator element dips into the cosmetic receptacle. In its ready position, the handle of the applicator is secured to the cosmetic receptacle in such a way that it closes this receptacle tightly. The applicator can be brought into its use position by pulling the applicator element out of the cosmetic receptacle through the wiper. The applicator features the fact that the applicator element has a central region, which is provided with a flocking. This central region is at least partially rimmed by at least one row of bristles.

The flocking can store a considerable amount of cosmetic, transport it to the eyebrows, and dispense it again there. It is nevertheless possible with the applicator to perform a very sharp-contoured application of the cosmetic since the central region with the flocking is rimmed by a row of bristles that functions as a separation, which prevents cosmetic that is stored in the flocking from being unintentionally squeezed out to the side or reduces the chances of this occurring.

In this case, the central region that has the flocking is mounted on the circumference of the applicator element. It embraces the applicator element over a circumference angle of less than 180°. The central region that has the flocking is arched outward in convex fashion and is rimmed by at least one row of bristles on at least three of its four edges, preferably all the way around. At this stage, the bristles give the stored compound lateral support and counteract a slippage of the stored compound that would be accompanied by subsequent uncontrolled dripping. The third row of bristles, perpendicular to the wiping direction, prevents the occurrence of an excessive wiping.

In this way, the central region can store a considerable amount of cosmetic compound in an easily accessible way: in order for the compound, which—because of the special embodiment of the central region—is already stored right above the part of skin that is to be treated, to be retrieved so that it is available in the region of the bristles, it is sufficient to guide the applicator even closer to the part of skin that is to be treated so that the stored compound comes into contact with the skin. Then the applicator is turned slightly so that a part of the stored compound comes into contact with the region that is equipped with bristles.

In this case, it is advantageous that the row of bristles can also be used for combing and that an application and combing can take place in a single step.

In some embodiments, it is advantageous for the central region with the flocking to be rimmed by a row of bristles all the way around.

The row of bristles around the rim may be embodied so that it is a row of bristles that are arranged one after another in a line.

The surface of the central region that has the flocking may be arched outward in convex fashion. The central region then has a pillow-like design. This often goes hand in hand with the fact that the central region is composed of a softer plastic and the bristles are composed of a comparatively harder plastic.

The bristles are generally injection molded bristle because bristles of this kind can be precisely positioned one by one in a reproducible way and can thus be made particularly suitable for achieving their purpose.

Other possible embodiments, advantages, and effects of the present disclosure ensue from the following description of various embodiments based on the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an applicator in a perspective view from the side.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an applicator in a perspective view from the side.

FIG. 2a shows an applicator that corresponds to FIG. 2, with a modification in the region of the transition to the wand.

FIG. 3 shows a third embodiment of an applicator in a perspective view from the side.

FIG. 4 shows a fourth embodiment of an applicator in a perspective view from the side.

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of an applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a cosmetic applicator 1 according to the present disclosure, which is intended for treating eyebrows, but can also be used for beard care or for hair care.

The figure shows the applicator element 2 and the wand 3 into which the applicator element 2 transitions.

The wand 3 is preferably straight and has a longitudinal axis L. At the end oriented away from the applicator element 2, the wand 3 transitions into a handle that is not shown here.

The applicator element 2 can be integrally connected to the wand 3 and can then also be injection molded simultaneously together with it.

But it is also possible for a coupling to be provided, which is not shown here. The applicator element then has a wand attachment, which transitions into the coupling, that is used to fasten the applicator element 2 to the rest of the wand 3. For example, by being slid in and detent-locked.

The applicator element 2 may widen out in the radial direction starting from the region in which it transitions into the wand or wand attachment.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, this widening is particularly characteristic: the circular wand or wand attachment widens in the radial direction so that four flat side walls 4 originate from it. These distally rim a free end surface 5, which is diamond-shaped. In this way, the free distal end surface has different tips, namely two broad tips, which are formed by two side walls that intersect with each other at an obtuse angle, and two narrow tips, which are formed by two side walls that intersect each other at an acute angle.

The edges of this free end surface define an imaginary plane E, which is depicted with dashed lines in FIG. 1. The imaginary plane E preferably extends in an inclined fashion relative to the longitudinal axis L of the wand or wand attachment at an acute angle W of between 40° and 70°.

The distal end surface 5 constitutes the actual application surface of the cosmetic applicator. Its central region 6 that has the flocking is arched outward in convex fashion toward the distal free end of the applicator element 2. In this way, the flocked central region 6 may form a pillow-like shape.

It is also readily apparent that the central region 6 that has the flocking is respectively rimmed by a row of bristles 7 on all four sides.

It has turned out to be advantageous if the bristles 8 here are all the same length, preferably at least 1.5 mm or at least 1.25 mm.

The bristles 8 may have a circular cross-section. In this case, they taper in conical fashion—continuously—from the base of the bristle toward the free bristle end. In this context, the bristle base refers to the region that lies directly above the point at which the bristle transitions into the applicator element 2 by means of a rounded region. The bristle base is thus the first uninterrupted region of a bristle.

The bristles 8 may be injection molded together with the applicator element 2 in one piece. The injection molding gives the bristles 8 a special molecular structure, which gives them a very good bend-recovery capacity. This is because when the bristle-forming compound is injected into the narrow bristle-forming conduits, the plastic molecules that form the bristle are stretched and aligned in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the bristle. This structure is visible upon macroscopic inspection.

The bristles in this case preferably have a diameter of between 3/100 mm and 5/100 mm. The distance between two immediately adjacent bristles in this case is preferably at least 1.5 times the respective bristle diameter in the region of the bristle base. Generally, the bristle diameter in the region of the uninterrupted bristle base, i.e. immediately adjacent to the rounded region with which the bristle may transition into the bristle support, can have a diameter of between 0.2 mm and 1 mm.

This embodied free end of the applicator element 2 has the advantage that it has different tips, as already mentioned above. Depending on how the applicator element is held in terms of its rotation position, it is thus possible to produce an application over a large area and a combing over a large area or an application at a single point and a combing at a single point. It is thus possible to work efficiently, but at the same time, once the applicator is turned slightly, to produce a very selective application. A special feature of this applicator type is that it is possible to use the flocked central region to apply and distribute cosmetic compound very effectively, without too frequently having to dip and reposition. This allows for a good application of the cosmetic compound to the eyebrows.

The bristles 8 that rim the central region with the flocking permit a very precise combing of the eyebrow during application of the cosmetic. Theoretically, it is conceivable to rim the central region with several rows of bristles on each side.

It is advantageous if the central region 6 that has the flocking is rimmed by only a single row of bristles 7 all the way around.

In this case, it is preferable for the bristles to be arranged one after another in a line directly along each edge of the distal end surface 5. In other words, the sequence of bristles follows the shape of the edge of the applicator element 2.

The longitudinal axes of the bristle preferably extend parallel or at least essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator. This means that when new, the bristles all extend essentially parallel.

It has turned out to be advantageous if the flocked central region 6 is a softer plastic than the bristles 8. This means that the region of the applicator element that is subsequently provided with the flocking is inherently a softer plastic than the bristles, i.e. forms a flexible base for the flocking.

For other practical applications, it can be worthwhile to make this hardness choice in reverse. Then, the bristles are softer than the plastic that forms the base of the flocked region, i.e. onto which the flocking is applied.

Also, the above-mentioned beveling of the distal end, which in this embodiment supports the central region of the applicator element 6 along with the rows of bristles 7 with which it is rimmed, makes it possible to achieve a good variability in the application.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of an applicator according to the present disclosure.

That which has been said with regard to the preceding embodiment, particularly with regard to the bristles (dimensions, production, spacing, etc.), also applies here analogously and therefore will not be repeated again here.

In this embodiment, the applicator element 2 has a rod-shaped design with a longitudinal axis L that is aligned with and adjoins the longitudinal axis L of the wand 3.

The applicator element 2 in this embodiment basically has a rod-shaped design with an essentially cylindrical or oval cross-section. The rod-shaped design of the applicator element 2 may have a flattened design on one circumferential side. At its distal end, the rod-shaped applicator element may form a partial dome or a hemispherical dome 12.

The central region with the flocking in this embodiment is embodied on the circumference or circumference surface of the rod-shaped applicator element. The central region preferably embraces the rod-shaped applicator element over a circumference angle of ≤180°.

Preferably, the rod-shaped applicator element 2 may be embodied so that it has an essentially flat edge that borders the central region 6 of the applicator element. In the transition to the wand, the proximal edge 10 of the applicator element preferably has a curved, U-shaped design, without this being absolutely required; in this regard, see the alternative embodiment according to FIG. 2a . The edge of the applicator element 2 can end at the free distal end or else a distal edge 11 with a U-shaped design that connects the two edges 9, which extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis L, to each other. The edge 9, 11 in this embodiment is equipped with a row of bristles 8 arranged one after the other in a line on at least two sides, but preferably also on a third side, namely the distal end of the applicator element 2. Either the bristles 8 all have the same length or, preferably, the length of the bristles decreases continuously by up to 25% toward the distal end of the applicator element 2.

In this embodiment, the central region 6 of the applicator element is arched outward in convex fashion in the radial direction. As a result, the central region 6 of the applicator element forms a kind of pillow here, too.

In this embodiment as well, the central region of the applicator element preferably is made of a plastic that is softer than the plastic that forms the bristles. This softer plastic is then provided with a flocking.

As shown here, the rod-shaped applicator element 2 is equipped with a curved longitudinal axis and forms a banana-shaped design.

Alternatively, though, the applicator element 2 can also be straight.

Here, too, the bristles are preferably embodied as soft enough that they cannot produce any unpleasant “poking” effect when the central region 6, i.e. its flocking, is brought into contact with the part that is to be treated, generally an eyebrow, in order to apply the cosmetic compound that is stored in it.

It is advantageous if the central region 6 is embodied on the convex circumferential side of the applicator element 2, viewed in the direction of the longitudinal axis L. In this case, it is advantageous if the applicator element 2 tapers, i.e. narrows, in the direction toward its distal free end.

It is advantageous if the central region is recessed in the radial direction relative to the wand or wand attachment. This means that the flocking lies on a radius that is smaller in comparison to the circumference surface of the wand or wand section that adjoins it in a direction along the longitudinal axis. In this way, the central region with the flocking is only mildly wiped and also the surrounding bristles 8 are not folded over too intensely and thus possibly damaged during the passage through the wiper.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 3 shows another embodiment of an applicator according to the present disclosure, which is a modification of the embodiment according to FIG. 2.

Consequently, that which has been stated above for the embodiment according to FIG. 2 is correspondingly fully applicable to this additional embodiment unless otherwise indicated in the following statements about the bristle set.

The surrounding bristles in this embodiment are embodied so that they rim the central region 6 of the applicator element on only two sides and also only over approximately 40% to 60% of the length of the central region, measured in the direction along the curved longitudinal axis L.

This has the advantage that a part of the central region 6 with the flocking, which stores the cosmetic compound that is to be applied, is not rimmed by any bristles at all. This region can be used to generously apply cosmetic without this causing the occurrence of contact with the bristles in any way.

In the next step, the region that is oriented toward the distal end of the applicator element 2, which is rimmed by the bristles, can be used for combing.

This further increases the variability of the applicator.

It is also notable that that bristle set comprises bristles whose length decreases continuously from the distal end to the region oriented toward the handle. Preferably, the decrease in length of the bristles is pronounced. The length of the bristles decreases by more than 60% in the depicted embodiment. It should be generally noted that the length of the bristles should preferably be in a range of between 15 times and 2 times the diameter of the uninterrupted bristle base.

It should also be noted that it is not absolutely necessary for the central region 6 of the applicator element to be rimmed by a row of bristles on only two circumferential sides, as shown in FIG. 3. Instead, the distal edge 11 can also be equipped with bristles, which is not graphically depicted here.

Fourth Embodiment

Another embodiment of an applicator according to the present disclosure is shown in FIG. 4.

That which has been stated above with regard to the preceding embodiments applies analogously to this embodiment as well unless otherwise indicated by the statements below.

The edge 9 of this free distal end surface 5 defines an imaginary plane E, as is once again shown in FIG. 4. The imaginary plane E preferably extends in an inclined fashion relative to the longitudinal axis L of the wand or wand attachment at an acute angle W of between 30° and 70° and ideally between 40° and 70°.

The distal end surface 5 constitutes the actual application surface of the cosmetic applicator. Its central region 6 that has the flocking is likewise embodied here as being arched outward in convex fashion in the direction toward the distal free end of the applicator element 2. In this way, the central region 6 may form a pillow-like shape.

The central region 6 that has the flocking is respectively rimmed by a row of bristles 7 all the way around. This row of bristles can be embodied as described above for the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the free distal end that constitutes the end of the applicator element 2 is embodied in a manner according to the present disclosure.

In other words, the free distal end surface in this embodiment constitutes a central region 6 of the applicator element 2.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 5 shows a fifth embodiment of the present disclosure. That which has been stated above with regard to the preceding embodiments applies analogously to this embodiment as well unless otherwise indicated by the statements below. In particular, that which has been stated above with regard to the second embodiment applies analogously since the fifth embodiment largely coincides with the second embodiment. The embodiment according to FIG. 5 does not necessarily have to be curved; it can also have a straight longitudinal axis L, as is also true for the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 2 a.

The difference primarily lies in the fact that in the fifth embodiment, a long side bordering the central region 6 does not have a bristle set. In other words, a preferably one-row bristle set is provided only along one long side. The bristle set can extend into the region of the free distal end, which in this embodiment, preferably has a U-shaped design and connects the two long sides to each other. Preferably, however, the bristle set ends where the bristle-equipped long side transitions into the above-described connecting region.

It is advantageous if all of the bristles with which the one long side is equipped are the same or essentially the same length. Preferably, the longitudinal axes of the bristles are each oriented perpendicular to the local path of the applicator longitudinal axis L, at the same height. This also applies to the embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 2 a.

GENERAL REMARKS

Independent of that which has been explained above or established, protection is also claimed for:

A cosmetic unit having an applicator 1 comprising or consisting of an applicator element 2, which is connected to a handle by means of a wand 3, and having a cosmetic receptacle, which contains a supply of cosmetic, and a wiper; in its ready position, the applicator element 2 dips into the cosmetic receptacle and in the course of this, the handle of the applicator 1 is secured to the cosmetic receptacle in such a way that it closes this receptacle tightly and the applicator 1 can be brought into its use position by pulling the applicator element 2 out of the cosmetic receptacle through the wiper, characterized in that the applicator element 2 has a central region 6 that has a flocking and the central region 6 is at least partially rimmed by at least one row of bristles 7.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraph, which features the fact that the central region 6 with the flocking is rimmed by at least one row of bristles 7 on at least three of its four edges, preferably all the way around.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the at least one row of bristles 7 has a U-shaped or V-shaped design and the bristles 8 are preferably designed so that they become continuously shorter toward the free ends of the U or V.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the central region 6 that has the flocking is rimmed by at least one row of bristles 7 on all four sides.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the central region 6 that has the flocking is arched toward the outside in a convex fashion.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the applicator element 2 has a rod-shaped design.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the longitudinal axis L of the applicator element 2, which is aligned with and adjoins the longitudinal axis L of the wand 3, is curved.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the central region 6 that has the flocking is mounted on the circumference of the applicator element 2 and preferably embraces the applicator element 2 over a circumference angle of less than 180°.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the applicator element 2 is flattened on one flank and in this location, forms the central region 6, which has the flocking, and supports the surrounding bristles 8 there, whereas the back of the applicator element 2 oriented away from the central region 6 is embodied as convex in the circumference direction.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that at its distal end, the rod-shaped applicator element 2 forms a half-dome 12, preferably a hemispherical dome, which adjoins the flattened central region 6 and forms the distal end of the applicator element 2.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that starting from the wand 3, the applicator element 2 widens out so that it has a greater diameter than the wand 3.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that at its distal end, the applicator element 2 has a free end surface 5 that forms the central region 6, which has the flocking, and at its edge, supports the at least one row of bristles 7 that rims the central region 6.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the edges of the free end surface 5 define a plane E that is oriented obliquely to the longitudinal axis L of the applicator, preferably with the acute angle W that the plane encloses with the applicator longitudinal axis L being between 40° and 60°.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the bristles 8 have a diameter of between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the bristles 8 are injection molded onto the applicator element 2 of one piece with it and preferably also of one material with it.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the bristles 8 taper, preferably conically, from the bristle base toward the free bristle end.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the bristles 8 predominantly have a length of more than 1.5 mm.

The cosmetic unit according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that directly adjacent bristles 8 in the region of their (uninterrupted) bristle base are spaced apart from each other by more than 1.5 times the bristle base diameter.

A cosmetic applicator 1 for use in a cosmetic unit according to one of the preceding paragraphs, having an applicator element 2 that can be connected to a handle by means of a wand 3, characterized in that the applicator element 2 has a central region 6 that has a flocking and the central region 6 is at least partially rimmed by at least one row of bristles 7.

The cosmetic applicator 1 according to the preceding paragraph, which features the fact that the cosmetic applicator 1 has other features relating to the applicator 1 from one or more of the preceding paragraphs.

The cosmetic applicator 1 according to the preceding paragraphs, which features the fact that the cosmetic applicator 1 is used to apply cosmetic to the eyebrows.

REFERENCE NUMERAL LIST

-   1 cosmetic applicator/applicator -   2 applicator element -   3 wand -   4 flat side wall -   5 distal end surface -   6 central region -   7 row of bristles -   8 bristles -   9 flat edge of the applicator element -   10 proximal edge -   11 distal edge -   12 half-dome or hemispherical dome -   L longitudinal axis of the wand and/or the applicator element -   W acute angle -   E imaginary plane 

1.-18. (canceled)
 19. A cosmetic unit having an applicator comprising: an applicator element, which is connected to a handle by means of a wand, a cosmetic receptacle, which contains a supply of cosmetic, and a wiper; in its ready position, the applicator element dips into the cosmetic reservoir and in the course of this, the handle of the applicator is secured to the cosmetic receptacle in such a way that it closes this receptacle tightly and the applicator can be brought into its use position by pulling the applicator element out of the cosmetic receptacle through the wiper, wherein the applicator element has a central region that has a flocking and the central region that has the flocking is mounted on the circumference of the applicator element and embraces the applicator element; and the central region that has the flocking is arched outward in a convex fashion and the central region is rimmed by at least one row of bristles on at least three of its four edges.
 20. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the flocking is mounted on the circumference of the applicator element and embraces the applicator element over a circumference angle of less than 180°.
 21. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein at least one row of bristles has a U-shape or V-shape design.
 22. The cosmetic unit of claim 21, wherein the bristles are designed so that they become continuously shorter toward the free ends of the U-shape or V-shape.
 23. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the central region that has the flocking is rimmed by at least one row of bristles on all four edges.
 24. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the applicator element has a rod-shaped design.
 25. The cosmetic unit of claim 24, wherein the longitudinal axis of the applicator element, which is aligned with and adjoins the longitudinal axis of the wand, is curved.
 26. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the applicator element is flattened on one flank and in this location and forms a flattened central region, which has the flocking, and supports the surrounding bristles, whereas the back of the applicator element, oriented away from the central region, is embodied as convex in a circumferential direction.
 27. The cosmetic unit of claim 26, wherein at its distal end, the applicator element forms a half-dome which adjoins the flattened central region and forms the distal end of the applicator element.
 28. The cosmetic unit of claim 27, wherein at the distal end, the applicator element forms a hemispherical half-dome.
 29. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the bristles have a diameter of between 0.01 mm and 0.5 mm.
 30. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the bristles are injection molded onto the applicator element to form one piece therein.
 31. The cosmetic unit of claim 30, wherein the bristles and applicator element are injection molded with the same material.
 32. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the bristles taper from their bristle base toward a free bristle end.
 33. The cosmetic unit of claim 32, wherein the bristles taper conically from their bristle base toward the free bristle end.
 34. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the bristles have a length of at least 1.5 mm.
 35. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein the bristle base of directly adjacent bristles are spaced apart from each other by at least 1.5 times the diameter of the bristle base.
 36. The cosmetic unit of claim 19, wherein viewed in the circumferential direction, the central region has a curvature radius on its free surface relative to the longitudinal axis that is smaller than a curvature radius of the surfaces relative to the longitudinal axis, which, viewed in the circumferential direction, adjoin the free surface on both sides of the central region.
 37. The cosmetic unit of claim 36, wherein viewed in the circumferential direction, at the transition between a surface of the central region and an adjoining surface of a non-flocked applicator body, viewed along the circumferential direction, there is a diameter enlargement or a jump in diameter.
 38. The cosmetic unit of claim 36, wherein viewed in the circumferential direction, a step is provided at a transition between the surface of the central region and the adjoining surface of the non-flocked applicator body.
 39. The cosmetic unit of claim 38, wherein the bristles are all arranged on the step.
 40. A cosmetic applicator for use in the cosmetic unit according to claim 19, having an applicator element that can be connected to a handle by means of a wand, wherein the applicator element has a central region that has a flocking and the central region is at least partially rimmed by at least one row of bristles.
 41. The cosmetic applicator of claim 40, wherein the cosmetic applicator is used for applying cosmetic to the eyebrows.
 42. The cosmetic applicator of claim 19, wherein the central region that has the flocking is arched outward in a convex fashion and the central region is rimmed by at least one row of bristles on at least three of its four edges, all the way around. 